September was Hunger Action Month and Northrop Grumman Corporation partnered with Global Impact and Stop Hunger Now to combat the global epidemic through the Northrop Grumman Global Giving Campaign. Through the month of September, more than 800 employees across nine company sites packaged a combined 170,000 meals that directly benefited Stop Hunger Now’s cause.

Employees across the company worked in teams to package meals comprised of rice, soy, dehydrated vegetables and 23 different vitamins. The meals, which each have a two-year shelf life, are then shipped throughout the world to support school food programs, orphanages and crisis relief efforts.

“It was so gratifying to see how many people jumped in and got involved in the event – and our ‘meals packed’ count was fantastic,” said Deborah Sprunk, analyst, mergers and acquisitions, Northrop Grumman. “I’m delighted that Northrop Grumman was involved in Hunger Action month. I applaud all of our company’s philanthropic ventures and support as many as I can.”

“Stop Hunger Now is an international hunger relief organization with 20 locations in the United States and six locations internationally,” said Spencer Merricks, Stop Hunger Now. “Our mission is to end hunger in our lifetime by providing food and life-changing aid to the world’s most vulnerable and creating a global commitment to mobilize the necessary resources.”

Stop Hunger Now is based in Raleigh, North Carolina and is an international relief agency that has concentrated on ending hunger for more than 17 years. In 2014, the organization shipped 50.5 million meals worldwide.

Northrop Grumman’s fight against hunger did not stop with meal packing events. The company also partnered with Global Impact to allow employees to donate directly to Stop Hunger Now. Global Impact works with approximately 400 public and private sector workplace giving campaigns to generate funding for an alliance of more than 120 international charities. Global Impact’s work helps provide food, water, shelter, medical care, disaster relief and many other critical services.

In addition to partnering with Stop Hunger Now and Global Impact, Northrop Grumman used social media to bring awareness to its Global Giving Campaign. Employees were encouraged to post a photo of their volunteer activity during the month of September on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram using the hashtag, #volunteer1ng. For every mention and picture shared, Northrop Grumman donated $10 to Stop Hunger Now. Ultimately, Northrop Grumman donated $10,000 to Stop Hunger Now’s efforts.

“New technology has allowed Stop Hunger Now to improve our monitoring and evaluation on the ground, as well as further engaging our volunteers in the fight against hunger,” said Merricks. “Social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Storify have allowed our volunteers to be connected no matter where they are, and further the movement to end hunger.”

“It is great knowing the meals will impact the lives of those in need, especially children,” said Eric Wilson, manager, community relations, Northrop Grumman. “We were overwhelmed, humbled and extremely pleased with our success and moreover our employees excitement for this initiative.”